Water Means NO STEERING!

[Jesda]

On heavy downpours or rainy days, when driving over large areas of water or deep puddles, my power steering goes out. This is very dangerous when going around a curve or turning. I've nearly slid into quite a few ditches. Thank goodness for ABS.

What could be causing it? Water splashing on the belt?

[elwesso]

Either that or the speed sensitive steering solenoid (s^4?) connection is being interrupted..

[DAEDALUS]

You need to periodically check the inner surfaces of the belts. They should be a dull black, and not look glossy/shiny--signs of a slipping belt. Do you not have an undercover?

[FarFetched]

Are you sure you aren't experiencing hydroplaning? I've slid on very wet (1-2" of water) surfaces sideways as if I had no steering. If not, then belts, water intrusion, things like that.

[Jesda]

Yeah, definitely not hydroplaning. When hydroplaning steering should get frighteningly light. In this case, it tightened up dramatically.

I'll check belts/pulleys when the weather gets nicer.

[maxnix]

What could be causing it? Water splashing on the belt?

Not if your undertray shield is in place.

[Jesda]

Not if your undertray shield is in place.

Some oil change monkey pitched that long ago.

[DAEDALUS]

Oil change monkey's indeed. I'm certain that's where mine went, but it was gone when I bought the car. Still, never had trouble with the PS. Next stop: Belt failure. I seem to recall your family has a pretty nice (and dry) garage. If it's slipping the odds are it's glazed over. You could tighten it up, and that'll help in the near term, but it's still a goner.

[maxnix]

Some oil change monkey pitched that long ago.

Get another one! The engineers did not put it there just because they had extra lying about.

Have to watch those oil change monkeys, especially when their behavior turns disgusting.

[Jesda]

The garage has been full of textbooks since the spring. Looking to liquidate remaining inventory this week so I can get my garage space back. Oh well, I'm due for a new pulley anyway.

Wes explained to me how to change my own oil last fall. Messy and laborious, but worth avoiding a damaged CAS or MAF.

Thanks for the info.

[elwesso]

I always specifically request having the oil filter changed from below.. its definitely not worth it for me to not have to mess with it.. I watched a tech change my oil and he was shredding his arms.... IT was terrible, im glad i never am going to change the filter.....

[911/Q45]

Changing the filter isn't that bad Wes!

[PalmerWMD]

Ive done it but it <is> a hassle

Fred..

[elwesso]

I know its not THAT bad but why risk it??

[DAEDALUS]

As opposed to risking having some time-pressed, underpaid guy who doesn't give a flying flip about your car change the oil?

[DominickJ30]

As opposed to risking having some time-pressed, underpaid guy who doesn't give a flying flip about your car change the oil?

Good point, plus how hard is it to change oil. Comeon guys.

[vicQ45]

i got one of those HUGE 4in1 filter wrenches and it still fits in there just fine. i don't see what the big deal is :-P and i know you guys are al better at working on a Q than me.

[Jesda]

Its not the difficulty. Its the mess. And oh God, what a mess. I dont gut fish, I dont clean toilets, and I dont like being covered in used motor oil.

This summer it will hit 110F with 99% humidity. I dont have an air conditioned garage, so I'll definitely be taking the Q to Wal-Mart. In those conditions, I'll risk it with the oil monkey and enjoy a Coke indoors.

[yodawill2000]

Where are ya Jesda ??Sounds like southern Texas !!

Woot !!!

Jumps back under the AC ..

[maxnix]

Its not the difficulty. Its the mess. And oh God, what a mess. I dont gut fish, I dont clean toilets, and I dont like being covered in used motor oil.

This summer it will hit 110F with 99% humidity. I dont have an air conditioned garage, so I'll definitely be taking the Q to Wal-Mart. In those conditions, I'll risk it with the oil monkey and enjoy a Coke indoors.

Buying new under engine trays everytime could become a bit expensive.

Jesda, when you live alone, do you move every couple of months, or hire a maid?

[Jesda]

Roommates.

When alone, I stand back and spray enough chemicals to drown the microorganisms. Probably enough to call hazmat.

[maxnix]

Jesda, you will be batchelor (maybe a rich one, eventually) the rest of your life or destined to marry a girl from the old country.

[gniknave]

I'm late on this, but I take an oil filter wrench with grips and just turn the thing. It's a tight fit but I can always get it off without a drip.

[dareo]

changing the oil on a Q45 is pretty easy..buncha pansies!